Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Yellow Rose of Texas

Years ago, I sat on my patio and overheard a conversation next door. The new neighbor from Illinois and her relatives sat on her screened-in porch, discussing Texas. One asked, “What is the State Flower of Texas?”“Hmm,” she mused, “I believe it is the yellow rose.”“Ahhh, yes,” replied a male, “from that song—The Yellow Rose of Texas.”All agreed and moved on to another topic. I continued reading my paper, but chuckled to myself.Every Texan knows the bluebonnet is our beloved state flower, and I wager many from other states know, as well.So, what does the term “The Yellow Rose of Texas” signify?“The Yellow Rose of Texas” is a traditional folk song of Texas, and has become the unofficial state song. (Few Texans know the name of the real state song.) No one knows who wrote it, but it is a tribute to a beautiful young mulatto woman. According to legend, she was the heroine of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Emily D. West (or Morgan), a free African-American woman, was seized by Mexican forces during the looting of Galveston. According to legend, General Santa Anna was so preoccupied with the captured servant girl that he failed miserably as commander of the Mexican Army. The unprepared Mexican troops were so overwhelmed by Sam Houston and his volunteer army of Texians that the battle lasted only 18 minutes. The Battle of San Jacinto ended the Texas Revolution and made Texas an independent nation.

THE SONG: 1858 Minstrel versionThere’s a Yellow Rose in Texas that I am going to see,No other darkey knows her, no darkey, only me.She cried so when I left her, it like to broke my heart,And if I ever find her, we never more will part.

THE CIVIL WAR Version:Oh, my feet are torn and bloody, and my heart is full of woe;I’m going back to Georgia, to find my uncle Joe.You may talk about your Beauregard, and sing of General Lee,But the gallant hood of Texas, played hell in Tennessee.Note: the word “darkey” was replaced with “soldier” throughout the song and chorus.

I am going to make this recipe, too. I have a wonderful recipe for cornbread that is almost like cake, it's so sweet and good. Made from scratch. But I must confess, in my last few years, I go for the box of JIFFY mix and whip it up fast. Still, this recipe is very tempting, and I'm thinking adding a can of chilis might be something that my husband would like. LOL I didn't know the story behind The Yellow Rose of Texas, but I have always loved that song and it was one of the first songs I learned to sing. VERY INTERESTING!!!

Teri--I'm a member of the Daughters of the Texas Republic, and we sing the state song--haven't leanred it yet--and we say the Pledge to the Lone Star flag, and haven't leanred that yet, either! I'm a newbie there--three years--and they're going to kick my out if I don't leanr it! Celia

Cheryl--yeah, I have a recipe for cornbread that tastes almost like cake, too. But it's just not southern cornbread--yes, do add pepper--jalapenos would be best. That's what I do.Jiffy Mix--I, too keep 2-3 boxes. I made one last night. The Jiffy company is in Ann Arbor, MI, where my kids live. They give tours to school children and they get a box of cornbread mix and a little paper chef's hat.And..Remember The Alamo! for sure.

Celia, that's fascinating. Interesting how those traditional songs change over the years depending on events. I always love your Texas photographs, you've introduced me to something I knew nothing about and now I think I would love to visit there one day. :) And as for the cornbread recipe with CHEESE in it, oh, my! Once I've off this darned low-fat diet, I will have to make this. It sounds WONDERFUL!

Hi Celia, you always have such interesting posts! And I may just try your recipe tomorrow; I have to make something for the dressage competition at our stables this weekend, and this sounds like something riders might enjoy!xx Francesca

Jane--that's so sweet--thank you. Low-fat diet--do not eat cornbread--mainly becasue you need to slather it with sweet cream butter!And if you do visit, do not come in June, July, August, September, or October.Visit in March or April.Celia

mmmm cornbread. I'm in my not-quite-back-on-the-diet phase and all bread glitters like Las Vegas lights. I can't recall the last time I had cornbread. I should fix some up soon. Love the new look of your blog. You are really moving along quite well in cyberspace.

Thank you, Maggie--you're a very supportive friend--I appreciate it. Now if I can figure out Goodreads and how to let them say I'm only 20 (you know 50's not right) I'd be happy. I love cornbread, almost any kind, any form. It should be hot, though, with lots of butter. Celia

Linda--I remember hot water cornbread, too. But my mother made cornbread like this recipe, except no cheese. Her's was dense and crusty and not very thick. Wonderful cornbread--just right with that big ol' pot of pinto beans with ham. Celia

Celia, I'm late getting here but better late ..... I enjoyed the article. And yellow roses are my favorite flower. If I ever learn how to manage my web site, I may be tempted to follow your example and create a blog. You inspire me!Linda